Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 July 1880 — The Agricultural Fair of 1880, [ARTICLE]

The Agricultural Fair of 1880,

Not least important among the enterprises in Jasper county, as bearing upon the material welfare of the inhabitants and adding to their happiness, are the agricultural fairs held annually at Rensselaer. Last year the society was reorganized, or rather, a new sooiety was organized which bought the franchises of tho old one, made necessary repairs upon the grounds and buildings and held a successful fair. The new society is a joint stock organization, governed by a board .of twelve directors, who are elected annually, owning its grounds and the appurtenances in lee simpie, is entirely out of debt and has a small surplus in its treasury sufficient to meet current demands. Its affairs are conducted upon strict business principles, no debts being contracted without the means in hand tu meet them promptly upon maturity. Every dollar that is received by the financial officers (who give good and sufficient bonds for the faithful discharge of their respective duties), must be strictly accounted for; the system of checks and counter-checks being such that there can be no collusion, if any might be contemplated, of the officers to defraud the society of its moneys or benefits. Notwithstanding the satisfaction universally expressed by the patrons of the society last year, the management felt that they had been hurried and in consequence many details were necessarily left in an unfinished condition, or were altogether omitted, and that with more time to devote to theii perfection much could be added to the attractions of the exhibitions. This year a revision has been made in the list of premiums offered, and considerable pruning out was done in places that did not promise benefit, either in promoting the development of the resources of the county, the plea, sure of visitors, or the advantage of the society; while other departments have been largely stimulated by the increase of premiums thus made possible. Allen J. Yeoman is this year superintendent of the departments devoted to horses, jacks and mules; Lucius Strong superintendent of the cattle department ; Samuel R. Nicholls will have supervision of the exhibition of sheep and swine; Dr. I. B. Washburn is superintend, cut of the poultry department, which, it is confidently expected, will be the most attractive exhibition of the kind shewn in northwestern Indiana, certainly the most attractive ever seen in the county . William S. Coen will have general charge of exhibitions iu the floral hall, and especial management of the departments assigned to vegetables and roots, grain and seeds, fruits, and prbduotions in leather; William W. Kenton will superintend the exhibition of farming implements, agricultural machinery, vehicles, wooden ware, etc.; Mrs. Cyrus J. Brown is superintendent of the department devoted to articles of domestic skill, such as go to make up the variety for a welllaid dining table and a well supplied larder; Miss Mollie Babcock is superintendent of ladies’ work and textile fabrics; Mrs. Alfred Thompson will superintend the exhibition of flowers, both natural and artificial; John M. Wasson has charge of the miscellaneous attractions that could not be otherwise conveniently classified; County Superintendent Nowels will superintend the school department—a feature introduced last year, which promises to be very interesting this season. These names carry with themselves a guaranty of complete success in each of the several partments. The general managPH ment of the fair is in hands that have had years of experience in matter of the kind, and they are determined that nothing shall be omitted which energy and enterprise can supply. Not the least

commendable feature of these fairs is the entire absence from the grounds of every species of gamb* ling and swindling device. Neither wheels of fortune, pool banks, prize package sales, nor any other thing ot kindred character, are permitted within the jurisdiction of the society. Premium lists may be had by making personal application at the postoffice, or addressing a postal card to Horace E. James, Secretary, Rensselaer, Indiana. The Democratic Sentinel from now to the close of the year for 50 cents. Go to Mrs. Healey’s for the cheapest and best millinery goods in town. The Nowels House, Kirtley & Son proprietors, is now open to the public. It is a large and well arranged establishment. newly furnished, the table supplied with the best in the market, and the management will exert every effort to accommodate guests in a manner that will be appreciated.— Terms reasonable. Give the Nowels House a trial.